DECAL SHEET REVIEW

Furball Aero-Design 48-045 Air Wing All-Stars: Phantoms Part 3 1:48 Scale

vol_2_image The 1960s and 1970s represented the glory days of high-visibility markings in U.S. naval aviation, particularly among F-4 Phantom squadrons. Furball Aero-Design continues their releases of high-viz F-4 markings in 1:48 scale with Air Wing All-Stars: Phantoms Part 3.

The options on the sheet are for six F-4J Phantom IIs. Decals are sized for the Academy F-4J. These include full markings and stencils for the CAG birds of:

F-4J, VF-33 Tarsiers (1972)
F-4J, VF-41 Black Aces (1969)
F-4J, VF-84 Jolly Rodgers (1970)
F-4J, VF-92 Silver Kings (1972)
F-4J, VF-102 Diamondbacks (1973)
F-4J, VF-143 Pukin’ Dogs (1974)

The three pages of instructions contain Furball’s typical high-detail, full-color illustrations for each scheme, and features multiple notes on each aircraft’s particular colors and color/stencil placement variations. Another nice touch is inclusion of a comprehensive diagram for F-4J’s external stores loading.

The decals come on three sheets. The first full-sized sheet contains the various squadron-specific markings, national insignias, BuNos, and various ‘no step’ and other stencil decals – enough for two complete aircraft. The second sheet contains the remaining tailcodes, Modex numbers, and names of the various carriers. The third sheet has both the gray and black walkway decals. Printed for Furball by Cartograf of Italy, the decal quality is fantastic. It does not get any better than this. Period.

This decal sheet is recommended without reservation. It is particularly satisfying to see here USN F-4J schemes that have long been deserving of attention, such as the “CAG-7” VF-41 markings, the Pukin’ Dogs and Silver Kings Phantoms, and the Roosevelt-embarked Jolly Rodgers. Any one of these schemes will make a 1:48 F-4J particularly distinctive.

Many thanks to Furball Aero-Design for the review sample.

Haagen Klaus
Scale Modeling News & Reviews Editor
Detail & Scale